Ryan lands role fresh out of university after impressing on internship

Ryan Kenton spent the summer at biotechnology company Micro-Fresh, having applied through De Montfort University Leicester's (DMU) Graduate Champions scheme.

The 23-year-old will now combine his part-time role as a marketing and creative assistant with studying for a Marketing Management MSc.

Ryan said: "I got an email about Graduate Champions, which offers recent graduates the chance to take up a paid, six-week long internship with a leading UK business.

"At the time I was looking at moving back home to Derby and getting part-time work to earn some money for my master's year. I realised it would be perfect if I got summer work that was more relevant to my degree.

"Within days of applying, the DMU team got back to me with a relevant role with Micro-Fresh in Leicester. After a series of interviews I was lucky enough to get the position.

"I felt really valued by the company and proud of myself that they were impressed enough to offer me a permanent position.

"Working on projects such as writing brand guidelines and creating and launching new brands are fantastic opportunities that are really helping me grow and develop my skillset."

Ryan starts his MSc this autumn. "I decided to do a master's to boost my employability," he said. "I love Leicester and the university and, when I realised it would be financially possible thanks to the VC's 2020 Scholarship, it was a no-brainer."

It was the friendly welcome at Open Day that first attracted Ryan to DMU, choosing his course because he wanted to specialise in marketing while gaining insight into other areas of business such as finance and entrepreneurship.

"The course also offered the option of a placement, which was a big factor," said Ryan, who spent a year at Barratt/David Wilson Homes North Midlands branch as a marketing assistant.

His duties included the creation of online/offline marketing, website management and analytical work. "It really developed me as a person and an employee," he said.

Back at DMU, Ryan benefited from the support of lecturers and module leaders. "It really felt like some of them went above and beyond and this made things easier at times when I was finding certain coursework difficult."

He also embraced student life as a member of DMU Tennis. "Being a part of a society is so much fun and you have the chance to meet a whole bunch of new people," said Ryan, who will be social secretary for the 2017/18 academic year.

However, his overall highlight is the friends he made. "They made my university years the best of my life," added Ryan.